Viber slips through VoIP blockade

Voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) service providers have bypassed attempts by Jamaican telcos Digicel and LIME to block access to their services, the Jamaica Gleaner writes. Immediately following the announcement that the two telcos were blocking access to VoIP services, Viber users were unable to use the application to make calls but within a week the service is available once more. Talmon Marco, Viber’s CEO explained that the company was able to bypass any block put in its way, although it could take a ‘considerable’ length of time. Further, the CEO claimed that the publicity of the blockade has actually driven more customers to use VoIP alternatives, noting that Viber has seen a ‘spike in voice usage in Jamaica on 3G.’ As previously noted by CommsUpdate, Digicel and LIME opted to block VoIP services over their networks earlier this month, calling the services ‘parasites’ as they utilise the operators’ networks without paying for access. Sector watchdog the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is currently involved in discussions with Digicel, LIME and consumer groups regarding the blockade.